XLVIII REPORT OP COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



and steelbead trout Lave been taken during the year. The plants were 

 made in the headwaters of the river, but the fish worked down to the 

 lower and deeper pools. The steelheads and Pacific salmon captured 

 in Sleeper River averaged about 6 inches in length, while the rainbow 

 trout ran from 6 to 12 inches ; Atlantic salmon ranged from 5 to 7 inches. 

 All of these fish were taken with angleworms, though the Pacific salmon 

 will rise quite readily to the fly. The capture of steelbead trout and 

 landlocked salmon is also reported from tributaries of Lake Champlain, 

 but in some instances the varieties have not been thoroughly identified. 



During the year the north embankment of the reservoir was rebuilt, 

 and a tiled drain (144 feet in length) was laid below its base. The 

 reservoir roof was covered with a preparation of tar and gravel, and 

 the filter in the reservoir was renewed. The interior of the reservoir, 

 containing about a foot of mud, was cleaned out, the sides washed down, 

 and the entire interior given a whitewash coat of cement. A pipe was 

 connected with the supply standpipe in the reservoir filter, and run 

 through the filter crib into the reservoir, giving the latter a direct 

 supply of water from the river in case of emergency. A ventilator was 

 placed in the reservoir roof to ventilate the reservoir and prevent heat- 

 ing under the roof, and the consequent decay of timbers. Seven new 

 ponds were constructed — Pond H and six small rearing-ponds. The 

 spring-water supply to the hatchery was connected directly with the 

 distributing crib, for use in the ponds when the hatching-troughs were 

 not in use. The arrangement of the hatching and picking troughs was 

 changed so as to place the latter under the windows on the east side of 

 the hatchery, and supply all the troughs with the water from the west 

 side, instead of from both sides, as formerly. This change gives more 

 floor space, connects all troughs with the spring- water supply, and 

 reduces the amount of water required in the hatchery. Its successful 

 operation during the season indicates a great improvement. 



On September 27 ground was broken for the construction of a resi- 

 dence for the superintendent. The work was continued throughout 

 the winter and the house completed on June 30, except the interior 

 finishing. The residence consists ot ten rooms and is a two-story frame 

 house, with stone and brick foundation, heated by furnace and sup- 

 plied with modern plumbing. 



Under authority of act of Congress, authorizing an expenditure of 

 $3,000 for an increased supply of water at the station, a contract was 

 entered into with Carpenter & Williams on April 20, 1897, for an 

 artesian well. Work was commenced on April 21, and at the close of 

 the fiscal year a well 200 feet deep had been sunk. 



Cape Vincent Station, New York (Livingston Stone, Superintendent). 



The hatching apparatus was thoroughly overhauled during the 

 summer and the first floor of the hatchery fitted up with Williamson 

 troughs, preparatory to hatching quinuat-salmon eggs, which were to 

 be transferred from the Pacific coast. The old method of securing 

 water by means of pumps was abandoned this year and arrangements 



